DHAKA: Hillary Clinton, in her first public speech since last week's crushing presidential loss, admitted making the appearance “was not the easiest.”

But speaking at the Children’s Defense Fund’s “Beat The Odds” Gala on Wednesday night, Clinton emotionally reflected about the 2016 loss and how she wished she could tell her mother Dorothy Rodham, who decades ago was abandoned as a child that her struggles were worth it because of what her daughter had accomplished.

“I will admit, coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me,” Clinton said. “There have been a few times in this past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again.”

But Clinton did not wallow in defeat during the speech, instead turned to what she will focus on going forward, and the impact her mother had on her life, reports the CNN.

The speech was part reflection, part pledge to remain strong in the face of a Trump administration.

“We have work to do, and for the sake of our children and our families and our country, I ask you to stay engaged, stay engaged on every level,” Clinton said.

“We need you. America needs you, your energy, your ambition, your talent. That is how we get through this.”

The Democratic Party is scrambling to finds its balance after last week's demoralizing loss and the prospect of at least four years with Trump in the White House.

BDST: 2004 HRS, NOV 17, 2016
AP/BD